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Every year, once the school term winds down and before the full chaos of Christmas kicks in, we take a little mental health break. It’s become something of a family tradition, a few days to catch our breath, switch off, and enjoy being together before the festive madness begins.

Last year, we chose Madrid. The kids had never been to Spain before, they spent most of their childhood in Singapore, and funnily enough, we’d almost moved there the year before for my husband’s work. So it felt a bit like visiting a “what could have been” version of our lives.

We booked five nights (which, in hindsight, might have been one or two nights too many), but that extra time ended up being a blessing. It forced us to slow down, to read, rest, and properly unwind.

We flew using air miles (a win that always feels extra satisfying) and took a taxi from the airport into the city. Madrid greeted us with winter sunshine, that very specific clear, blue, sunlight that makes everything look like it’s bright and clean.

Our home for the week was Apartamentos Principe 7, tucked just off a lively street but quiet once you’re inside. The apartment was lovely, high ceilings, warm wooden floors, big windows that let the light pour in. The kind of space that feels like a stylish friend’s home rather than a hotel. There was a kitchenette, but we mostly ignored it in favour of croissants and coffee from the small supermarket just a few steps away. Simplicity is a holiday luxury.

We didn’t plan much, no strict itineraries or jam-packed schedules, just the freedom to explore depending on how we felt each day.

11 highlights to see in Madrid

1. Wandering the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, which even the kids enjoyed more than expected (Picasso’s and Dahli paintings).

2. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum for Monet and Rembrandt’s, admire everything from the old masters to modern works.

3. A little bit of last-minute Christmas shopping in the city’s festive markets and boutiques (Madrid really knows how to do twinkly lights and window displays).

4. Grab a coffee at Colors of Madrid and explore El Rastro, an open-air flea market, held every Sunday and on public holidays. A jumble of vintage coats, handmade treasures, and very good people-watching.

5. Cafe culture (Nomade Cafe, so good we went back twice, Demasie for cinnamon rolls that smell amazing)

6. Visit Bomboneria La Pajarita a tiny traditional sweet shop we walked into by accident. Now a family favourite. My husband brings back boxes whenever work takes him to Madrid. I love that.

7. Eat out (La Finca de Susana was opposite our airbnb was lovely, friendly and busy so book ahead)

8. Mercado de San Miguel wandering stall to stall, eating in small bites: olives, jamón, tiny anchovies, and warm croquettes.

9. Tour the Real Madrid Bernabéu football stadium, how they store and look after the grass was actually super interesting. Then see the Cibeles Fountain where Real Madrid gather to celebrate their big wins.

10. See the Royal Palace and look out of the city from the Royal Palace’s Ledge Viewpoint.

11. On top of the museum Círculo de Bellas Artes there is a super cool roof top bar with great views over the city. Grab a cocktail or glass of wine and enjoy the view.

At this time of year, Madrid is fresh, cold enough for coats and scarves, but blessed with blue skies and that golden Spanish sunshine that makes winter walks such a joy. The streets were lively but not unbearable during the day, though by evening the crowds swelled, busy, festive, and at times, a little overwhelming.

So most nights we stayed close to our apartment, finding cosy local spots for tapas, churros, and a glass (or two) of rioja before wandering back through quiet cobbled streets.

Looking back, it was exactly what we needed, a few days of culture, food, art, and laughter to bridge the gap between the rush of school and the rhythm of Christmas.